An influential oil producer with a charismatic president at its helm since 1999, Venezuela is a vast, sometimes frustrating, but never dull country. It is one of the most complex countries in Latin America, and one of the least understood.
Venezuela’s extraordinary geographical diversity ranges from picture-postcard Caribbean beaches to pristine rain forests inhabited by jungle tribes, historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spectacular mountain treks, and the world’s highest waterfall. Its unique culinary traditions, linguistic quirks, colorful history, and busy annual cycle of festivities are part of a rich cultural heritage left by the Spanish conquistadors and the slaves brought from Africa, combined with elements that can be traced back to the indigenous Amerindian inhabitants.
An ambitious attempt to benefit the poor and redistribute oil wealth by President Hugo Chávez has seen a major political transformation in recent years. This has put a severe strain on Venezuela’s traditional ties with the USA, the destination of 60 percent of its oil exports. This move toward a socialist model inspired by the independence hero Simón Bolívar has seen new ties forged with like-minded countries in the region, such as Brazil, Bolivia, Cuba, and Argentina, and with non-traditional allies like Russia, China, and Iran.
But despite Chávez’s steadfast attempts to confront his powerful northern neighbor and reduce Venezuela’s economic dependence on the United States, Miami remains the top holiday destination for Venezuelans traveling abroad, baseball beats soccer as the preferred sport, and teenage girls still cover their bedroom walls with posters of American idols like Justin Bieber.
Venezuelans are known for being friendly, gregarious, and outgoing. They value family above everything, and love to criticize the status quo—but they are also fiercely proud and protective of their homeland and react poorly to criticism from outsiders. They are optimistic and forward-looking, quick with a joke, and instantly familiar with strangers. The key to their confidence comes from the large extended family groups they grow up in, and the constant round of birthdays, baptisms, weddings, and holidays that bring them all together for music, dancing, and general merrymaking.
Culture Smart! Venezuela takes you beyond the stereotypical descriptions of a tropical petro-state, famous for its beauty queens and its populist president, to provide you with an insider’s understanding of the country and its people. It looks at the historical roots of modern-day social values and attitudes. It offers advice on what to expect and how to build personal ties, and outlines how flexibility and patience are crucial to any business venture. Practical tips, valuable insights, and vital statistics have been marshaled to enable you to get to the heart of this vibrant, sometimes contradictory, and increasingly important country.